Israel’s top judoka, Arik Ze’evi, takes European gold

JERUSALEM (JTA) — Israel’s top judoka, Arik Ze’evi, won his fourth gold medal at the European Judo Championships.

Ze’evi defeated Levan Jorjoliani of Georgia in the championship match in the under 100-kilogram class on Saturday in Chelyabinsk, Russia. It was his ninth medal at a European championship, including four bronze and one silver.

Three other Israeli judokas also took medals at the competition.

Ze’evi, 35, will represent Israel at the 2012 Olympics in London, his fourth Olympics. He won a bronze medal at the 2004 Games in Athens.

Following his win, Ze’evi spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who reportedly told Ze’evi that his victory "touched all of us; you brought us great honor and hope."